The basic body shape and handling of most DSLRs seem very similar to the 35mm film SLR bodies of 30 years ago. They were designed and engineered around the requirement to mechanically wind 35mm film roll from one side of the body to the other past the shutter, in front of popular lens mounts of the day. Digital then came along and sensors were merely placed where the film used to be, behind much the same bulky lens mount systems derived from 35mm film specs. The body forms evolved slightly but without fundamental redesigns, with little change in optics until recent years, prompted by consumer demand for portability and smartphone inventors showing what thinking 'outside the box' can come up with in terms of user interaction.

Are current DSLR body forms legacy leftovers from the bygone film era?